North Yorkshire school introduces yoga to promote healthy minds

A PRIMARY school is prioritising mental health through the incorporation of the topic within its school curriculum.

Great Smeaton Academy Primary School has introduced several routine exercises across its lessons, in an effort to stimulate the young minds, and promote better concentration levels.

The school has introduced daily yoga, which take place during Physical Education lessons and simultaneously helps improve children's balance and core strength.

The primary school also created different workshops, which are available to children who have gone, or are going through the stages of bereavement.

Assistant head teacher Ralph Goodchild said: "Great Smeaton has always been a very happy school, but we want to ensure we are continuing to support our pupils in both their physical and emotional resilience.

"Government statistics from surveys carried out in 2017 showed that one in eight 5 to 19 year olds had at least one mental disorder, so we know it’s a growing issue nationally and wanted to make good mental health a priority within school. "We are taking steps to ensure the whole school cohort feels able to talk about how they are feeling, and can take action to improve their wellbeing.

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